Warorot Market (Kad Luang)

Warorot Market, known locally as Kad Luang or the big market, is the commercial heart of Chiang Mai, a few streets west of the Ping River. Several floors of stalls sell fresh food, dried goods, fabrics, kitchenware and flowers.

The site was once the cremation ground of Chiang Mai's rulers and was turned into a market in 1910 under Princess Dara Rasmi. It is named after Prince Inthawarorot, the eighth ruler of Chiang Mai, and was rebuilt after a major fire in the 1960s.

For food lovers it is the best place in town to buy northern Thai specialities to take home, and to snack while browsing. Mornings are busiest and freshest, and the surrounding streets fill with flower and produce sellers.

What to order

• Sai ua: northern herb sausage, sold by weight
• Nam prik num and nam prik ong: northern chilli dips to eat with vegetables
• Kaep moo: crisp pork crackling
• Naem: sour fermented pork wrapped in leaves
• Coffee or Thai tea from one of the cafés inside the market

Good to know

• Arrive early in the morning; many vendors leave once they have sold out.
• Weekends are busier than weekdays.
• Pair it with Ton Lamyai flower market across the road by the river.